December 14, 2022. Louisville, KY. – A Louisville artist and designer, known for her colorful paint palette and unique technique of using layers of patterns and papers in her work, and whose designs are sold in T.J. Maxx and Home Goods’ stores across the country, will play a prominent role in next year’s Derby Festival. Liesl Long Chaintreuil has been selected as the Festival’s Official Poster Artist for the 2023 season.
“Liesl’s vision and passion to use her art as a medium to connect and unite people mirrors the work we do at the Kentucky Derby Festival to bring the community together in celebration every spring,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Her unique piece captures the spirit of the Festival, and we’re excited to share it with both our fans and hers.”
Chaintreuil is a Louisville native who has been honing her craft for more than 20 years, and her designs boast vibrant portrayals of the world-renowned events and people that define Kentucky’s culture.
“Art for me is a way to tell a story that speaks to both me and to others about the beauty that exists in people, style, events and nature,” Chaintreuil says. “I love to capture people and their unique style at various Kentucky world-renown events. The Kentucky Derby Festival scene gave me the opportunity to illustrate my love for the history of Kentucky, fashion, and the colorful vibrancy within a scene.”
Chaintreuil’s love for art began as a child and led her to duPont Manual High School’s nationally recognized Visual Arts Magnet, where she further nurtured her creativity. Upon graduation, she was awarded the “Fashion Designer of Tomorrow” national scholarship from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. From there, she packed her bags for Los Angeles to study at FIDM, earning a degree in Textile Design and a minor in Fashion Illustration.
Following her college graduation, Chaintreuil went to work for a textile company in LA designing textile prints for global fashion companies, including Lucky Brand, Brighton and David Meister. She also began creating children’s art for Colleen Karis Designs, available in T.J. Maxx and Home Goods’ stores throughout the U.S.
Chaintreuil lives in Louisville with her husband and three children. She specializes in creating Kentucky-themed art and has her own line of artwork released annually, which is available at several local art galleries and boutiques, and on her website, ArtByLiesl.com.
The public can see the 2023 poster and full merchandise line at Festival Unveiled Presented by Four Roses Bourbon on Thursday, March 16 at the Mellwood Art Center. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at KDF.org. Contributing Sponsors of Festival Unveiled are Kentucky Beef Council and Ladyfingers Catering, joining Media Partner LEO Weekly.
Over the years, the Derby Festival’s Official Poster Series has become a unique symbol of the community. Peter Max’s expressionistic “Bluegrass Pegasus” launched the series in 1981, and a stylistic and geographical mix of artists have been showcased over the years. Fans can still purchase most of the previous artwork at KDF.org.
